Romeo Is Bleeding
Tom Waits
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Romeo is bleeding but not so as you'd notice He's over on 18th street as usual Looking so hatd against the hood of his car Ans putting out a cigarette in his hand And for all the pachucos at the pumps At romeros paint and body They all seein' how far they can spit Well it was just another night But now they're huddled in the brake lights of a '58 Belair And listenin' how romeo killed a sheriff with his knife And they all jump when they hear the sirens But romeo just laughs and says All the racket in the world ain't never gonna Save that coppers ass He'll never see another summertime for gunnin' down my Brother And leavin' him like a dog beneath a car without his knife And Romeo says hey man gimme a cigarette And they all reach for their pack And Frankie lights it for him and pats him on the back And throws a bottle at a milk truck And as it breaks he graps his nuts And they all know they could've just like romeo If they only had the guts But romeo is bleeding but nobody can tell And he sings along with the radio With a bullet in his chest And he combs back his fenders And they all agree its clear That everything is cool now that romeos here But romeo is bleeding And he winches now and then and he leans against The car door and feels the blood in his shoes And someones crying in the phone booth At the five points by the store Romeo starts his engine And wipes the blood of the door And he brodys through the signal With the radio full blast Leavin' the boys there hikin' up their chinos And they all try to stand like romeo Beneath the moon cut like a sicle And they're talkin' now in Spanish about their hero But Romeo is bleeding as he gives the man his ticket And he climbs to the balcony at the movies And he'll die without a wimper Like every hero's dream Just an angel with a bullet And Cagney in the screen
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Written by: TOM WAITS
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, JALMA MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
8 facts about this song
Artist FactsTom Waits is a renowned American singer-songwriter known for his raspy voice and unique fusion of musical styles, blending rock, jazz, and blues.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
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Album Information"Romeo is Bleeding" is featured on Tom Waits' 1978 album, "Blue Valentine."
- The album marked a transition to a more jazz-oriented style for Waits, moving away from his early folk-based sound.
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Song InspirationThe lyrics tell a tragic story of a gangster named Romeo who is gunned down in the streets.
- The song's title and narrative are inspired by noir literature and film, which often feature similar doomed characters.
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Genre Classification"Romeo is Bleeding" is often categorized as a blues song, featuring a slow tempo and melancholic mood typical of this genre.
- Its lyrics also showcase the narrative style common in blues music, telling a complete story in verse-chorus form.
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Use in MediaThis song is also the title of a 1993 film starring Gary Oldman, although the movie does not include the song and is not directly related to it.
- It has also appeared in various television show soundtracks, including an episode of the animated series "Bojack Horseman."
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AcclamationDespite its dark and tragic themes, "Romeo is Bleeding" is considered one of Tom Waits' most beloved songs by fans.
- Many critics have often praised its gritty lyricism and Waits' raw, emotional vocal performance.
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UniquenessLike many of Waits' songs, "Romeo is Bleeding" features unconventional instrumentation including marimba and pump organ, contributing to its distinctive sound.
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Live Performances"Romeo is Bleeding" has been played live numerous times throughout Waits' career, becoming a standard in his live set.
- The song elicits a strong crowd reaction, suggesting it remains a fan favorite despite its release over four decades ago.
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"Romeo Is Bleeding Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9892476/Tom+Waits/Romeo+Is+Bleeding>.
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